Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) vs Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£250
Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023
Chichibu
£235
| Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) | Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Chichibu |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.9% | 50.5% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £235 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023 is better value at £235 vs £250.
For beginners: Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £235)
Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023
Pros
- +More affordable (£235 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Chichibu?
Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 17 Year Old 1997 Unpeated (Special Release 2015)
Only Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023